Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War Short Essay - Answer Key

1. What is the setting and time period used in "Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War" by Steven Pressfield?

The setting and time period used in "Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War" occur in ancient Greece during the time of the twenty-seven year long war between Athens and Sparta. No specific dates are given, and the time is often marked off by months with antiquated names.

2. Who is the main character in the story? What happens to him?

The main character in the story is Polemides, a soldier who lived through the greatest events of the war and fought alongside key figures of the conflict. The novel begins with Polemides telling Jason, his legal counsel, the story of the assassination of the great Athenian general Alcibiades.

3. Who is Jason? How is he introduced? Why is Jason important to the story?

Jason served as legal counsel to Polemides and was therefore privy to first hand accounts of battles and the inner workings of the war. Jason was also a supporter of Socrates. Jason is introduced by his grandson, a boy that visits daily to hear the stories of days past. Jason is important because he lends historical accuracy to the tales told in books.